Fake reviews and hidden fees that make purchases more difficult or expensive for consumers will be targeted in a clamp down on unfair trading practices.
The results of a consultation into consumer transparency, and as part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill (DMCC), have now been published. The Department for Business and Trade will officially add fake reviews to a list of banned business practices and outlaw dripped fees that are unavoidable for consumers.
These measures will be legislated for as part of the DMCC Bill as it progresses through Parliament. In the coming weeks, the BVRLA will be producing a factsheet to help members with the new laws.
Hidden fees or dripped prices that are avoidable will be banned. Drip pricing occurs when consumers are shown an initial price for a good or service, while additional fees are revealed or ‘dripped’ later in the checkout process.
To make it easier for consumers to compare products and services, fees that are mandatory must be included in the headline price or at the start of the shopping process. While the majority of use cases impacted by the move, as detailed by the Department for Business and Trade, look at consumer good and leisure services, BVRLA members need to be aware of how or where the changes could impact their operations. The BVRLA will publish a factsheet providing more details shortly.
